Lab Director: Dr. Breanne Wylie

Breanne E. Wylie is an Assistant professor of lifespan developmental psychology in the Department of Psychology at North Carolina State University. She completed her Ph.D. (2022) in Lifespan Developmental Psychology at Brock University, in Canada. She then completed a two-year Banting postdoctoral fellowship at the Gould School of Law, University of Southern California.

Research interests: Dr. Wylie is a developmental psychologist who studies adult-child communication within a legal context. Specifically, she is interested in understanding and improving children’s developing ability to accurately report experiences when questioned by adults (e.g., lawyers, police officers, nurses, teachers, etc.). Her program of research uses a multi-methodological approach to address her research questions, using both laboratory (e.g., assessing children’s linguistic development and understanding of questions using child friendly tasks) and field-based (e.g., coding transcripts of child witness testimonies) methods.

Dr. Wylie’s work has important real-world implications! As a Research Associate for the Canadian Child Interviewing Research Team, she works works closely with practitioners in the field to understand evidence-based methods for improving children’s testimony on the stand and in forensic interviewing practices.

bewylie@ncsu.edu // Research Gate //Google Scholar 

Madison Lattimore

Madison Lattimore is a Ph.D. student in the Lifespan and Developmental Psychology at NC State University. She earned her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from UNC Greensboro. She is particularily interested in studyign child development, and how children discuss sensitive topics with authority figures. She aspires to a career in research and enjoys exercising and spending time with her Yorkie, Khloe.

Caleigh Vocke

Caleigh is a senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Forensic Science from Greensboro, North Carolina. She aims to become a forensic psychologist driven by both her interest and passion in how law and psychology intersect and how this can improve mental health resources available to incarcerated populations. She joined the Law and Development lab to gain hands-on experience in the field and insight on the importance of proper conduct in forensic interviews. Outside the lab, Caleigh is a peer mentor for incoming Psychology students and has enjoyed working with College Mentors for Kids as a General Manager. In her free time, she likes to exercise, go to coffee shops and hang out with family and friends. 

Ashley Murphy

Ashley is a senior studying Psychology with minor studies in criminology at NC State! She has an interest in Forensic psychology and dark triad mental illnesses. Ashley has a passion for rehabilitation through mental health. Through the lab, she gains hands-on research experience within a forensic setting. Away from the lab, Ashley is a member of Best Buddies at NC State and volunteers with the Miracle League of the Triangle. She also teaches children yoga, dance, and fitness classes.

Payton Sheffield

Payton is a Junior studying Psychology and Criminology with a minor in Forensic Science. She is interested in the psychological factors that drive criminal behavior, and plans to pursue a career in criminal law. She is excited to join the lab to apply her knowledge and strengthen her research skills. Payton is also a research assistant in the Adult Cognition and Emotion Lab, serves on the Honor Board for Alpha Xi Delta and the Greek Honor Society, and is the former president of NC State’s Student Conduct Board. Outside of school, she works as a Legal Assistant and volunteers with Meals on Wheels. In her free time, she loves fitness classes and spending time with friends!

Ava Marsh

Ava is a Junior majoring in Psychology at NC State. Ava is passionate about working with children, with the hope of earning her doctorate and becoming a therapist . In the lab, she is excited to work on research with children and get involved with data collection. Outside of school, she loves to read, work out, and hang out with friends. 

Hannah Gregory

Hannah is a Sophomore studying Psychology with minor studies in Criminology and Forensic Science at NC State. Hannah is interested in developmental and forensic psychology and is looking into different career options that combine those interests. By joining the lab, she is excited to gain experience and build skills in many aspects of research. Outside of the lab, Hannah loves to explore creativity through writing, art, and music with her friends.